Much smoke and no rain affect Kamsack and District Horticulture Show

KAMSACK — Wildfire smoke that filled the skies, rain that didn’t fall, and a couple of regular exhibitors who have retired from intensive gardening contributed to fewer-than-normal entries at the Kamsack and District Horticulture Society’s annual show.

Held at the Ukrainian Catholic Hall in Kamsack on Aug. 8, the annual show of flowers, fruits and vegetables, which included a serving of pie and coffee, had a total of 251 entries. While this was up by 45 entries from last year, it was about 50 shy of the normal average of 300 entries per show.

Thirteen adult gardeners — up from 10 last year — brought exhibits to the show, said Cindy Koreluik, president of the Kamsack society and president of the Saskatchewan Horticulture Association. Included were two junior exhibitors, one of whom exhibited items from the Victoria School garden selected by Beth Dix, a school employee.

Eleanor Lenderbeck of Roblin was named the grand aggregate winner with 177 points. Tied for second place with 102 points each were Koreluik and Marge Popoff of Kamsack, while third place, with 91 points, went to Cindy Erhardt.

Lenderbeck received the plaques for annual cut flowers and gladiolas, Erhardt received the plaque for lilies, and Koreluik took home the plaque for vegetables.

This summer’s weather didn’t work out well for gardeners, said Karen Pfeifer, the judge, who has been qualified as a provincial judge for 18 years. She is vice-president of the Kamsack society and handles insurance matters for the provincial association.

When smoke and clouds block out light, plants can’t grow like normal because of the reduced blue and red light from the spectrum, Pfeifer explained.

This season, lilies tended to bloom early, resulting in fewer lilies at the show, she said. The cabbages were in good shape, but many other plants matured later than normal, such as beans.

Many gardeners had problems with carrot germination, she added, noting the cause was uncertain — whether due to bad seeds or poor weather.

The drought also played a big role in the show’s results, along with fewer members exhibiting, she said. Most crops struggled this season.

“I had to judge leniently in order to help encourage more participation,” she said.

The horticulture society would like to see more participation, and the show is open to everyone, not just society members, she added.

The event also included the popular rainbow auction.